10 ways to make it a noteworthy November

1) Make something with cranberries. Whenever I think of November produce, cranberries instantly come to mind. While I admittedly LOVE the kind that are still shaped like a can, I also enjoy making my own cranberry sauce using this recipe or this recipe. For the second version, I’ll use honey and pineapple to sweeten- both versions make a killer sandwich or wrap topping.

(Does anyone else sing Cranberries songs while cooking with the fruit? You don’t have to answer that. “Do you have to let it liiiiiiinger…..”)

2) Run a Thanksgiving 5k, or go for a walk with the family after your meal. Running an early morning 5k is a great way to start the day of American gluttony. If you want to enjoy a slow morning and sleep in, or are waking up early to prep the food, try to go for a walk with the family after your meal. It’s a perfect way to connect and enjoy the weather, and instead of feeling ready for a nap, you’ll feel more energized for the evening. I’ll definitely need this energy for midnight Black Friday shopping

3) Pick up an infinity scarf. They’ve been around for a while, but still haven’t lost their feminine and unique flair. Bonus: it’s an easy way for scarf-fails like myself to still rock a scarf.

4) Rock autumn denim. The fall tones of denim are a fun way to add a pop of color in your cold-weather outfit. I especially love the burnt orange, deep purple and teal hues.

5) Send a little note to let someone know you’re thankful for them. It’s such a simple and kind way to make someone’s day, and tis the season for spreading cheer and love to others.

6) Enjoy some “om.” Along with the season of gratitude, it’s also a big time for hustle and bustle. Make sure to check out Namaste November- it’s not too late to join in the fun! It’s an easy way to get some calmness in the frenzy, while encouraging your yoga practice at the same time.

7) Participate in a scrumptious event for a great cause. I’m really excited to be doing my first-ever online bake sale, Sweets for Sandy, THIS FRIDAY (11/9). I’ll post all of the goodies on Thursday night so the bidding can begin. Some of my very good blogger friends have already volunteered to donate their fabulous homemade treats, and I’m sure, thanks to all of of your help and support, it will be a huge success.

8) Make your cardio shorter and more effective! Try my current favorite: HIIT and steady.

9) Plan a girls’ movie and cocktails/mocktails night. Everyone is usually busy with their families this time of the year, so make a point to get together with your close friends, too. It’s more challenging now that most of my good friends have babies of their own, so I’ll be sure to plan at least one girls’ night.

10) Assess your fall fitness goals, start to plan a spring fitness event if you haven’t already. I have my eye on a spring half marathon, which will be good motivation to stick with training during Tucson’s most running-friendly weather.

So, how do you plan to make it a noteworthy November?

What are you looking forward to this month?

Some of mine: the dessert assortment on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, ARIZONA BASKETBALL!, continuing to practice yoga for Namaste November, putting up Christmas decorations.

Love these posts! Always great ideas. My family and I started a little Thanksgiving workout tradition 3 years ago. We go to a zumba class early, then come home and get to cooking. I’m normally not into zumba, but it’s fun to go with my mom, aunt and cousins for a little dancing

Pumpkin everything (gonna try roasting my own this year), Black Friday craziness and Christmas MUSIC!!!!!, and all the FANTASTIC Christmas Hallmark movies! LOVE THOSE. OH oh and the 24 hours of the Christmas Story on Thanksgiving day!

I am pretty excited for basketball season to start too! My goal for November is to practice moderation. I know when the Christmas season hits I won’t be able to say no to all the cookies and treats, but I want to be able to say no to more than I need. It’s something I’ve never been good at, I have such a all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to treats. Any advice haha?

Definitely doing a handful of these things to make it a great November, but the thing I am most excited about is my family is going to Hawaii for the week of Thanksgiving this year. I am going to miss our usual Thanksgiving traditions, but I am so excited to be relaxing in paradise with a pina colada in hand

Love the idea of sweets for Sandy! Please let me know if you need any help with it or any more donations! Love my infinity scarves too! My favorite thing about cold weather is scarves, sweaters and boots!

Mmm I love me some cranberry sauce too! I put it on everything and anything I can think of with our leftovers! Those infinity scarves are adorable… I have a couple and love them! They can add so much to an outfit. I’m most looking forward to my family coming to visit us from Arizona! I haven’t seen them since April, so it’ll be quite the treat.

I am looking forward to getting all my Christmas shopping done!!! Every year I tell myself not to wait until the last minute and every year I am out the week of Christmas cursing all the other crazy shoppers. I WILL NOT PROCRASTINATE!!! And of course all the yummy goodies that get brought to me at work!!

Thanksgiving is by FAR my favorite holiday, so I think that’s what I’m most looking forward to! A close second is celebrating my six year anniversary with my fiance—it comes the week after his birthday and Thanksgiving, so we usually do one huge, delicious dinner to cover our bases : )

Your apple mocktails look so perfect for this time of year! Love the monthly ideas – hope you have a nice, easy pre-holiday month, Gina! And I love cranberry sauce – that alone will make my November better

It gets very, very dark around my part of the world this time of year (sun set at 4.30pm today…. and we’re going to lose another 2 hours before it gets lighter again) so my goal is to try to stop the onslaught of SAD with vit D’s and enjoying any sunshine I can get. My gym also has a light therapy room so maybe I’ll start taking my books there for studying… Also, I am going to try to make a meringue cake with stevia instead of sugar for a Thanksgiving cake =)

I think another way to make November noteworthy would be to help out a family in need. Donate a Thanksgiving dinner or drop off some food to a shelter. Definitely more noteworthy than buying an infinity scarf.

I look forward to these posts every month- they help me feel excited about the month with these great ideas and also feel centered! I saw a mix for cranberry gluten-free scones that I want to make and I need a new infinity scarf- I lost mine from last year! They are just so cozy!

I’ve never heard of an infinity scarf. I’ve seen them, but never knew what they were called. I’m definitely checking those out though, because I am one of those people who just don’t do scarves. Sometimes I’ll wear one with my winter coat, but my brother once asked me, “Why are you wearing that?” Humph. Just trying to be fashionable EPIC FAIL.

I’m marking November by starting the “Couch to 5k” program this week so I can actually DO a 5k in early 2013! I realize most if you are way ahead of me here, but I’m still working on that ‘body after baby’ thing Also, seriously looking forward to my cold weather guilty pleasure – UGGS!!

I’ve signed up for a half marathon training program too! Mine is in February just before Stella’s first birthday, but the program starts 19 November… bring it on! I don’t know about you, but my body is a little weird running post-baby so hopefully it will make the distance. Look forward to hearing more about your running goals xx

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About Me

Hi, gorgeous! I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to The Fitnessista, a lifestyle blog emphasizing quick workouts, healthy recipes and adventures as a military wife and mom. Though I am a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and weight loss specialist, the information posted here is not intended to substitute the advice of a medical professional. Please check out the About page for more info. Thank you for reading! <3

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